Simplant for Implant Placement

Whether performing regular cleanings or placing dental implants, Dr. Eric J. Aubert cares about providing his patients with the best and most comfortable dental care he can. One of the ways the dentist does this this is by using state-of-the-art technology that enhances his procedures. One treatment technology he uses at his practice in St. Louis, MO is the Simplant system, an interactive, 3D system that determines the position of each dental implant with 100 percent accuracy. With this system, Dr. Aubert is able to place each implant as precisely as possible, eliminating discomfort for the patient. 

Simplant implant treatment planning software allows Dr. Aubert to access three-dimensional information that helps him coordinate every aspect of implant placement and care. By obtaining accurate information on the width and density of your jawbone, the exact location of neighboring tooth roots and the location of the nerves with Simplant, Dr. Aubert can ensure the procedure is more comfortable and more effective at restoring your smile and retaining your oral health.

With the precise information provided by the Simplant system, Dr. Aubert is able to plan the ideal location for your dental implants and achieve the best outcome. He will also be able to show you exactly how your new teeth will look before treatment even begins.

If you’re missing teeth, dental implants can provide an attractive and long-lasting solution that looks and feels natural. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey P. Aubert at Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO, call (314) 367-7200. For more information about the dentist and his services, please visit www.forestparkdental.com. 

Custom Teeth Whitening Trays for Bright and White Teeth

Even with brushing twice per day and flossing once per day, keeping teeth white can be a challenge when we do not want to give up certain foods or drinks. Medications can even stain teeth. At Forest Park Dental, we want to give our patients a professional, yet convenient way to whiten their teeth. This is why we offer custom take-home teeth whitening trays in our St. Louis, MO dental practice.

Foods and drinks like blueberries, soy sauce, coffee, and cola are common stain-causers but many of us do not want to give up enjoying these favorites. When personal habits have left your teeth less than brilliant, we offer professional teeth whitening. This system is take-home, so you can whiten at your convenience. The system works by creating custom trays out of impressions of your teeth. This ensures the perfect fit. A whitening gel is placed into the trays and worn for a short period of time over a few days. They are able to be worn at day or night, depending on what works the best for you. Using our professional system, our patients often see results four to eight shades whiter.

If you have stained or discolored teeth and are considering whitening them, call our office for a consultation to see if our custom whitening trays will work for you. In a short period of time, you can have that bright and white smile that you desire! To schedule, call Forest Park Dental of St. Louis, MO at (314) 367-7200 or visit our website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Gum Grafting for Receded Gums in St. Louis, MO

Gum grafting can be a necessary procedure to prevent a tooth from falling out. When an abnormal amount of tooth is exposed, there is not enough gum tissue covering them, and here at Forest Park Dental, we can fix this. Dr. Eric J. Aubert performs gum grafting right here in our St. Louis, MO dental practice.

The process of gum grafting is a surgical procedure. It involves taking soft tissue from another place in the oral cavity and moving it to the area where extra tissue is needed. Often the tissue is taken from the soft palate, the roof of the mouth, or an area of the gums where there is excess tissue; an area where the tissue is plentiful and able to grow back healthily. The tissue is then placed in the area it is needed in and stitched into place. This promotes gum growth and the gums will grow and connect with the graft tissue. The end result is a new gum line that is healthy, holds the teeth correctly, and is aesthetically pleasing.

If you suspect your gums are receded, come into Forest Park Dental of St. Louis, MO for an examination. Gum grafting may be the solution for you. To schedule with Dr. Eric J. Aubert, call us at (314) 367-7200 or visit our website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Tips for a Healthy Mouth

The best way to prevent cavities and gum disease is to have a great home oral hygiene routine. Here at Forest Park Dental, we want to remind our patients in the St. Louis, MO area of the proper ways to take care of your teeth every day.

Brushing your teeth should take place two or three times per day. Brushing them three times is ideal, but brushing is needed at least twice. Brushing before bed is especially important; as overnight the mouth often dries out and allows bacteria to thrive. Each session of brushing should last a full two minutes. Make sure to hit every surface of the teeth, plus the roof of your mouth, your tongue, and the insides of your cheeks. Use a light touch; heavy brushing may actually wear down enamel and cause cavities.

Flossing should be performed once per day. This is important to remove debris and plaque that forms between teeth. Cavities are actually more likely to form between teeth, so flossing every day is especially important.

In addition to flossing and brushing teeth in a regular routine, regular visits to your dentist for examinations and cleanings will ensure a healthy mouth. Your dentist can look for abnormalities, make sure your teeth and gums are still healthy, and can clean those hard-to-reach places where plaque and tartar may build up.

To schedule your regular examination and cleaning at our St. Louis, MO practice, call Forest Park Dental at (314) 367-7200 or visit our website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Kinetic Cavity Preparation at Forest Park Dental

Advancements in technology allow dental procedures to become quicker, more successful, and more comfortable. Kinetic Cavity Preparation is a new process for removing decay. Its efficiency and comfort is why Forest Park Dental of St. Louis, MO has chosen to utilize it in our practice.

Kinetic Cavity Preparation, or KCP, removes decayed tooth tissue in a gentler manner and allows faster placement of fillings. KCP works by using a stream of air that carries tiny particles to gently and precisely remove the decayed tooth tissue. The particles used are alpha alumina, a safe substance used in medicine, food, and whitening toothpastes. An evacuation system removes these particles from the mouth after they treat the tooth.

KCP is gentler than drilling. It uses reduced heat and vibration; which means often there is not any anesthetic needed. The drilling sound is also gone, so for our patients who have dental anxiety, the quieter process is noticeable. The sound is similar to that of an aerosol can spraying. KCP also allows fillings to be placed faster than ever. This means quicker appointments and fewer appointments when multiple fillings are needed. This saves our patients time and money.

KCP is also a great tool to use for preparing the tooth for veneers, inlays, onlays, and sealants. We like to use the most advanced tools for the most effective treatments. To learn more about the technology we use here at our St. Louis, MO dental practice, call us at (314) 367-7200 or visit the Forest Park Dental website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Sealants for Extra Molar Protection

Brushing and flossing every day are good ways to keep healthy teeth and gums, but an extra barrier against decay is never a bad idea. For children, teens, and some adults in the St. Louis, MO area, Dr. Eric J. Aubert of Forest Park Dental offers sealants to protect the premolars and molars from decay.

Children and teenagers between the ages of six and fourteen are especially prone to cavities. The depressions and groves in the molars are vulnerable to decay during this time, so this is the target age to have sealants placed. Even some adults who do not have decay or fillings in the molars will benefit from sealants. A sealant is a plastic resin that is placed into the depressions of the molars, where food particles and other debris are more difficult to brush away.

The process of applying sealants is very simple and only takes a few minutes. After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried, an acid is placed on the teeth to roughen the surface of the tooth, aiding a strong bond. The tooth is then rinsed and dried. Dr. Aubert will then apply the sealant and may use a curing light to harden the resin. The sealants are tooth-colored, so they blend in well.

For children, teens, or adults looking for some extra molar protection, schedule an appointment in our St. Louis, MO dental practice. To schedule, call (314) 367-7200 or visit our Forest Park Dental website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Full and Partial Dentures at Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO

When teeth are lost, it can affect speech, eating, and it can alter one’s appearance. It’s important for all-over health to replace missing teeth. Dr. Eric J. Aubert of Forest Park Dental offers partial and full dentures for his patients in the St. Louis, MO area looking to replace teeth.

Full dentures come in two different forms. There are conventional dentures, which are placed after all of the remaining teeth have been extracted and the gum and bone tissues have healed, and there are immediate dentures, which are placed the same day that the remaining teeth are extracted. With immediate dentures, there is no time spent without teeth. However, there will most likely need to be a re-fitting once the gum and bone tissues heal.

Partial dentures are for when not all of the teeth in your mouth have been lost or extracted. Partial dentures fill in the missing spaces. They are similar to bridges, except they are able to be removed. Dr. Aubert will examine your particular condition and decide which type of dentures will be right for you.

Losing teeth can cause a change in the shape of your face, if not replaced. For a confident, new smile, contact Dr. Eric J. Aubert at our St. Louis, MO dental practice. To schedule an appointment, call Forest Park Dental at (314) 367-7200 or visit our website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Digital Radiography at Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO

The world of technology is ever-changing. We at Forest Park Dental prefer to keep up with the advances in technology in our St. Louis, MO dental practice to offer our patients a top-of-the-line experience. Dr. Eric J. Aubert uses digital radiography as a safer and more accurate way to examine his patients.

Digital radiography is an advancement that we never want to work without now. Not only is it a faster and more efficient way to take x-rays, but it is also safer to use.

Since digital x-rays do not need a dark room to develop the images, they are instantly able to be examined by Dr. Aubert. As soon as the x-rays are taken, they are displayed onto a monitor where Dr. Aubert can use tools to zoom in and see changes in the mouth that the naked eye might have missed. Being digital, the images are also able to be instantly emailed to another doctor, an insurance company, or the patient.

Digital radiography uses a lot less radiation than the standard x-ray systems of the past, so the patient is subjected to much lower rates of radiation. The time spent taking the images has also decreased.

If you are due for an examination and want to learn more about our equipment here at Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO, visit our website, www.forestparkdental.com. To schedule an appointment, call us at (314) 367-7200 or visit our website.

Dental Implants for Permanent Tooth Replacement in St. Louis, MO

Replacing missing teeth is vital for the health of your gums and jaw line. There are some options out there but many of them need to eventually be replaced. This is the reason why Dr. Eric J. Aubert of Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO has implemented dental implants to replace his patients’ missing teeth permanently.

Dental implants are better than options like dentures and bridges. They are durable enough to last a life time, so with good care, they should only need to be placed once. Unlike dentures, they will not slip around or need to be taken out. They are a single tooth replacement, so unlike bridges, none of the adjacent teeth need to be reduced in order to place the implant. Dental implants can also be completely customized, so they look and feel like one of your natural teeth.

The process for installing a dental implant first involves Dr. Aubert placing the titanium implant post into the jaw socket. The implant will take several months to bond with the jawbone, so during this time, you will wear a temporary crown. When the permanent crown is ready to be placed, an abutment is attached to the implant to serve as the base of the tooth and the crown is cemented into place.

For more information about dental implants, call Forest Park Dental of St. Louis, MO at (314) 367-7200 or visit our website, www.forestparkdental.com. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the gums that starts out as plaque. There are different stages of this disease and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Treatment for this disease varies. Dr. Eric J. Aubert of Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO gives his patients options when it comes to the treatment of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, making it critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens into tartar and creates a suitable environment for bacteria to collect and attack the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is called gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontitis. Periodontitis can destroy your gum and bone tissue, leads to tooth loss and even can result in a loss of bone mass in your jawbone. Heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it develops into a more serious periodontal disease. The procedure gives Dr. Aubert the ability to clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots in order to smooth the root structure and remove the tartar and plaque that is causing your inflammation.

This procedure is an incredibly effective and can stop the progression of gum disease before it irreversibly damages your teeth. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric J. Aubert by calling (314) 367-7200. For more information about the dentist or his services, visit www.forestparkdental.com.  

Screening for Oral Cancer

Being screened for oral cancer is an important part of maintaining your oral health and should be a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. At our practice in St. Louis, MO, we take oral cancer seriously and are dedicated to keeping our patients safe with thorough screenings.

While everyone is at risk for oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk in developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can greatly affect the health of tissues in the mouth, so it is especially important for you to receive regular screenings if you partake in these activities. If oral abnormalities are caught early, it will not only expand your treatment options, including less invasive and less radical treatments, but it will also increase your chances of beating oral cancer.

Screening for oral cancer can be done during routine checkups by Dr. Eric J. Aubert, who uses ultraviolet light to help him spot abnormal tissue in your mouth. Abnormal tissue can then be tested to see if it is cancerous or not.

Oral cancer is a serious issue, and at Forest Park Dental, we strive to protect all our patients. To schedule an appointment, call (314) 367-7200. For more information about Dr. Aubert and the services we offer at Forest Park Dental, visit www.forestparkdental.com.

Crown Lengthening

A dentist’s first goal is always to save your teeth, which is why dental professionals have developed many dental procedures that help prevent tooth extraction. One such procedure is crown lengthening, which Dr. Eric J. Aubert of Forest Park Dental in St. Louis, MO uses in cases where decay has decimated a tooth to a point where there is not enough tooth structure left upon which to fix a crown.

If a tooth has broken below the gum line or if decay has developed underneath an existing crown or filling, crown lengthening allows a new crown to be placed rather than extracting the tooth. While called crown lengthening, this common surgical procedure does not actually lengthen the crown. What it does is lower the gum line, and Dr. Aubert does this by removing gum tissue, bone or both to expose more of the tooth and provide a foundation for the crown.

The procedure is performed with a local anesthesia to numb the area. When the area is fully numb, Dr. Aubert will pull the gums away from the teeth and expose the roots and surrounding bone. In some cases, removing a little of the gum tissue will expose enough of the tooth for placing a crown. However, it is more likely that some bone will also have to be removed from around the roots of the teeth. After removing the necessary amount of tissue and bone, the area is washed and the gums stitched.

Dr. Eric J. Aubert works hard to always protect his patient’s teeth and to provide the best quality of dental care available in St. Louis, MO. To schedule an appointment, call (314) 367-7200. For more information about Dr. Aubert and other services offered at Forest Park Dental, please visit www.forestparkdental.com.

Bone Grafting in St. Louis, MO

Some patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaws to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago are now able to receive dental implants to complete their smiles and protect their oral health. In St. Louis, MO, our practice strives to help patients achieve their dental goals, and by performing bone grafting procedures, we can help patients receive the dental implants they need.

Bone grafting is a fairly common procedure that is performed by building up the jawbone with bone fragments to accommodate the dental implant. The bone used to graft to the area with too-little mass is usually take from the patient. Many times the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when the drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for grafting. However, sometimes cadaver bones are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, Dr. Eric J. Aubert can make it happen. To schedule a consultation at Forest Park Dental, call 314.367.7200. For more information about our practice, visit www.forestparkdental.com.   

Intraoral Cameras at Forest Park Dental

Dental technology has greatly improved the diagnosis of dental issues over the years, making early treatment of decay, infection and disease possible. With advancements such as intraoral cameras, dentists can view patients’ teeth more easily and more accurately. This helps them diagnose dental issues earlier and treat them with less invasive methods. At our office in St. Louis, MO, our patients’ oral health is important to us, so we use intraoral cameras and other top-of-the-line technology to keep them smiling.

The intraoral camera is an effective tool for viewing patients’ teeth and mouth from different angles, allowing Dr. Eric J. Aubert to see the mouth from a variety of angles—many of which weren’t even available as little as a couple years ago. The camera is connected to a monitor that lets the dentist see the structures of his patient’s teeth more closely and with better accuracy than traditional methods. These digital images also allow the patient and insurance companies to see what the doctor has seen, which lets you understand your oral health better and gain procedure acceptance from your insurance company more easily. In addition, by using digital intraoral cameras and digital X-rays instead of traditional dental X-rays, your dentist can limit your exposure to radiation.

To schedule an appointment at Forest Park Dental, call 314.367.7200. For more information, visit www.forestparkdental.com. 

Bridges with Dr. Eric J. Aubert

If you’ve had one tooth or multiple teeth extracted due to damage, decay or disease, it is important to have the resulting gap filled or your remaining teeth can shift out of position and become susceptible to further decay. One way to replace your missing tooth or teeth and prevent this shifting is with a dental bridge.

Called a bridge because a prosthetic tooth is suspended between two crowns to fill in the missing space, this natural-looking tooth structure is usually made from gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure a strong and durable smile that can last for many years.

The process of creating a bridge usually takes two visits to our office in St. Louis, MO. During your first visit, Dr. Eric J. Aubert will create abutments out of the existing teeth on both sides of your gap. This is where the bridge’s crowns will be attached. After the abutments are in place, a mold is made of your mouth for creating the bridge, which will fit and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. While you wait for the bridge to be fabricated in the lab, you will receive a temporary device for your convenience. Then, once the permanent device is completed, you will return to our office to have the crowns fixed to the abutments with an adhesive. The pontic between the crowns forms the bridge and replace your missing tooth or teeth.

To schedule an appointment at Forest Park Dental, call 314.367.7200. For more information, please visit www.forestparkdental.com.           

The Benefits of Rotary Endodontics

If you’ve had root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, it probably didn’t occur to you to ask what types of tools your dentist used. But if your dentist used the old, manual file for removing the infected tissue, the procedure may have been pretty nerve wracking. Rotary endodontic tools, however, provide a much smoother, more comfortable experience during root canal procedures, which is why Dr. Eric J. Aubert chooses to rely on them to treat infected teeth in St. Louis, MO.

Rotary endodontics allows the dentist to remove the infected pulp in the inner root canal more quickly, more smoothly and with less chance of complications. These electric instruments prove to be superior to the traditional, stainless steel files in a multitude of ways. This is because they are made of nickel titanium, which is much more flexible than stainless steel. Increased flexibility allows the tool to be inserted into the curved root canal without damaging the passageway.

The tools are also much quieter and do not produce a grinding noise like other tools. This helps to soothe patients’ nerves during the procedure. While the manual method can adequately save teeth during root canals, rotary endodontic tools are easier and preferred by both the dentist and his patients. 

To schedule an appointment at Forest Park Dental, call 314.367.7200. For more information, please visit www.forestparkdental.com. 

Dr. Eric J. Aubert Can Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Procedure

While the thought of having root canal therapy can cause anxiety in many patients, the procedure is a necessary one for those whose teeth become infected in the nerves. If left untreated, infections can cause more than pain; abscesses can form, which may result in a loss of bone mass in the jaw. Treatment is imperative, and you can trust Dr. Eric J. Aubert to relieve your pain at our office in St. Louis, MO.  

Although root canals may not sound pleasant to you, they are well worth it to stop your pain and improve your oral health. While there may be soreness after the procedure, it is only temporary and usually nothing that over-the-counter painkillers cannot take care of.

During a root canal, Dr. Aubert will remove the infection by applying a local anesthetic to the area and drilling into the tooth to create an opening in the canal. Then he will remove the infected tissue and clean the area. Once the infection has been removed, your tooth will be filled with a sealant and then fitted with a crown to protect it from infection in the future. The crown also helps improve the appearance and strength of the tooth. Once the procedure is complete and soreness subsides, you will be able to eat without experiencing pain and sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure.

If you’re in pain, you don’t need to suffer. Schedule an appointment at Forest Park Dental by calling 314.367.7200. For more information, visit www.forestparkdental.com.   

Invisalign in St. Louis, MO

At our office in St. Louis, MO, we offer Invisalign aligners so that you can straighten your teeth without committing to a mouth full of metal. Using a series of thin, clear plastic aligners, Dr. Eric J. Aubert can guide your teeth into a smile you can be proud of.

While regular braces are still best for the most serious cases of teeth straightening, Invisalign is great for cases of mild to moderate spacing or crowding. For these cases, Invisalign provides teeth correction that bypasses the discomfort, soreness and restrictive diet that those who have traditional braces must face.

With a computer program that generates a series of aligners with small changes in each, Invisalign will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing. Virtually invisible, the aligners are made of thin, comfortable plastic and are completely removable. Therefore, your teeth will not experience the same discoloration and plaque buildup that can normally occur with metal brackets and wire. In addition, you will be able to eat all the foods you like, such as popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, apples, carrots and corn.

If you think Invisalign might be the best option for achieving the smile you’ve been dreaming of, schedule an appointment at Forest Park Dental by calling 314.367.7200. For more information, visit www.forestparkdental.com.

Dental Bonding at Forest Park Dental

Of all the cosmetic and restorative procedures we offer at Forest Park Dental, bonding is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Called bonding because tooth-colored resin is bonded to your teeth, the procedure is used to repair teeth that are discolored, unevenly shaped or chipped. At our office in St. Louis, MO, we can even use bonding as an alternative to amalgam fillings if only a small filling is required.

Bonding is achieved by applying incredibly strong resin to the tooth in need of restoration. The procedure can usually be accomplished in one visit and allows you to keep most of your tooth’s enamel, which makes bonding preferable to veneers in many cosmetic cases. Once the right color resin has been chosen for your smile, Dr. Eric J. Aubert will apply an adhesive gel to your tooth or teeth to help the resin adhere. The putty-like resin is then applied to your tooth and molded and smoothed until it is in the proper shape. After it is hardened with an LED light, Dr. Aubert will trim and shape it even more and then polish it until shines like a tooth. Altogether, the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour for one tooth.

If you’re unhappy with your teeth but unwilling to go as far as veneers, bonding can be used to improve your smile quickly and effectively. To schedule an appointment with our office, call us at (314) 367-7200. For more information, visit www.forestparkdental.com. 

Forest Park Dental Restores Patients Smiles with Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are two procedures that use the tooth structure as a base for restoration. Often called partial crowns, both inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth while restoring its shape and working to prevent further damage or decay. At our office in St. Louis, MO, we use these procedures to repair teeth when decay is too extensive to support a filling but not extensive enough to use a crown.

When there is no damage to the cusps of a tooth, Dr. Eric J. Aubert uses an inlay for restoration, bonding it right on top of the tooth structure. Made of porcelain, inlays are both strong and natural-looking, providing an attractive solution for repairing your tooth. Dr. Aubert uses onlays when damage is a little more extensive and repairs to the cusp of the tooth are required.

Inlays and onlays can be created at a lab out of porcelain, gold or composite resin. Fabrication normally takes between two to three weeks, and during that time, you will be provided with temporary restorations while you wait. Once they are ready, they are cemented in place.

To ensure that your teeth get the best dental care available, schedule an appointment with Forest park Dental by calling 314.367.7200. For more information, visit www.forestparkdental.com.

Lumineers vs Veneers in St. Louis, MO

You have probably heard a lot about veneers, but do you know about Lumineers? If not, you should know that they can transform your smile in less time and more comfort than you ever imagined. Similar to veneers, Lumineers are hard, porcelain shells that can be applied seamlessly over your teeth. They are digitally designed to be ultra-thin and give you a beautiful and natural-looking smile.

Because traditional veneers tend to be thicker, they require more aggressive removal of healthy tooth enamel. On the other hand, Lumineers are about as thin as a contact, so they require a less-invasive procedure than traditional veneers, and it only takes two visits to our office to get them. Since very little enamel has to be removed from the teeth to make room, the procedure does not typically require shots or a temporary device as you wait for your custom-made Lumineers to be crafted.

While Lumineers offer many benefits, Dr. Eric J. Aubert recommends that they only be used for minor cosmetic adjustments and not for a major makeover. If you want to extend the size of small teeth, fix minor chips, make teeth appear straighter or change the color of your smile, Lumineers are an exceptional option. However, if your teeth are dark or require more extensive cover up, veneers are the better choice.

To get a smile that you will love showing off, schedule an appointment with our office in St. Louis, MO by calling 314.367.7200. For more information about Forest Park Dental, visit www.forestparkdental.com.